The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Handwashing Education on Handwashing Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes in Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Istanbul Arel University
- Enrollment
- 66
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Handwashing Knowledge Level
Overview
Brief Summary
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of virtual reality-based handwashing education on handwashing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in preschool children aged 5-6 years. The study will be conducted in a kindergarten setting in Istanbul, Turkey, with a total of 66 children who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving virtual reality-based handwashing education or the control group receiving traditional handwashing education. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic information form, a handwashing knowledge form, a handwashing skill assessment form, and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C). Outcomes will be measured before the intervention and one month after the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of innovative, technology-based educational approaches in improving hygiene behaviors in early childhood.
Detailed Description
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods for preventing infectious diseases, especially among preschool children who are more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and limited awareness of hygiene practices. Despite the effectiveness of traditional education methods in increasing knowledge, these approaches may not always lead to sustained behavioral change. Therefore, innovative, interactive, and experiential learning methods are needed to improve both knowledge and practical skills in hand hygiene.
Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising educational tool that enhances learning by providing immersive, interactive, and multisensory experiences. VR-based education has the potential to improve attention, motivation, and retention, thereby facilitating the transformation of knowledge into behavior.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups: a virtual reality-based education group and a traditional education group. The study will be conducted in a preschool setting in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 66 children aged 5-6 years will be included in the study, with 33 participants in each group.
Participants will be selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Children in the intervention group will receive handwashing education supported by virtual reality technology, while children in the control group will receive standard handwashing education using traditional teaching methods.
Data will be collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, Handwashing Knowledge Form, Handwashing Skill Assessment Form, and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children (PANAS-C). The PANAS-C is a validated instrument used to assess children's positive and negative affective states.
Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (pre-test) and one month after the intervention (post-test). The primary outcomes include handwashing knowledge and skill levels, while secondary outcomes include positive and negative affect related to handwashing behavior.
The study aims to determine whether virtual reality-based education is more effective than traditional education methods in improving hand hygiene behaviors among preschool children. The results are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based, technology-supported educational interventions in pediatric health promotion and infection prevention.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 5 Years to 6 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Children aged 5-6 years
- •Enrolled in a preschool institution
- •Able to understand and follow instructions in Turkish
- •No physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive impairment that would prevent participation in the intervention
- •Willing to participate in the study
- •Written informed consent obtained from parents
Exclusion Criteria
- •Children aged below 5 or above 6 years
- •Children with neurological, visual, auditory, or balance disorders that may interfere with virtual reality use
- •Children with orthopedic or motor impairments affecting handwashing ability
- •Children who have previously used virtual reality devices
- •Children whose parents do not provide consent
- •Children who experience discomfort, fear, or adverse reactions during the intervention
Arms & Interventions
Experimental Group
Participants in this group will receive virtual reality-based handwashing education.
Intervention: Virtual Reality-Based Handwashing Education (Behavioral)
Control Group
Participants in this group will receive traditional handwashing education using standard teaching methods.
Intervention: Traditional Handwashing Education (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Handwashing Knowledge Level
Time Frame: Baseline and 1 month after the intervention
Handwashing knowledge will be assessed using the Handwashing Knowledge Form developed based on the literature and expert review. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating higher levels of handwashing knowledge.
Secondary Outcomes
- Handwashing Skill Level(Baseline and 1 month after the intervention)